Comparative Outcomes of Single-Port Robotic Thymectomy: A Study by Korea College of Drugs.

A research team from the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at Seoul National University College of Medicine recently published findings on comparative outcomes for single-port robotic thorn surgery performed using a single-port robotic platform, highlighting advancements in minimally invasive procedures. 

The research team retrospectively compared perioperative outcomes for 110 cases of thymectomy, comprising both single-port robotic procedures and traditional video-assisted thoracic surgical (VATS) approaches, conducted between November 2018 and May 2024. The study’s findings revealed that all robotic thymectomies were successfully completed without the need for a median sternotomy conversion, and an impressive 98% of patients experienced no significant complications.

Additionally, compared to VATS thymectomy, a notable decline in conversion rate to multi-port surgery was observed (0%). Moreover, postoperative outcomes revealed shorter chest tube duration (1.32 ± 0.75 days) and hospitalization stay (2.52 ± 1.00 days).

“This groundbreaking study conclusively demonstrates that single-port robotic thymectomy effectively surpasses the limitations of traditional thymectomy, providing a more expansive therapeutic approach.” Lead writer, Jun Hee Lee, played a pivotal role in crafting the research paper. “We will strive to excel by establishing Korea University College of Medicine as a leader in robotic surgery, particularly in thoracic procedures.”

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The entire crew comprised Korean college professors including Jun-hee Lee, Hyun-koo Kim, Jin-Wook Hwang, and Jae-Ho Chung. Researchers concluded that single-port robotic thymectomy employing a single-port robotic system outperformed traditional VATS thymectomy in terms of safety, potentially circumventing limitations inherent to previous approaches.

“Departments of thoracic surgery at three Korean hospitals affiliated with the Korea College of Medicine have yielded crucial findings, effectively illuminating the safety and efficacy of the latest single-port robotic thymectomy approach,” said Prof. Jae-Ho Chung. “Following positive outcomes, we will intensify our focus on related medical research and studies to ensure the safe adoption of single-port robotic surgery for more patients requiring thoracic procedures.”

Korean researchers at The Korea College found that their pioneering work on single-port robotic thymectomy not only created a safer environment for patients, but also paves the way for this innovative approach to become the new standard treatment for thymectomy. This move aimed to provide patients with enhanced therapeutic support, they explained.

“This analysis highlights the long-term possibilities of single-port robotic surgery,” Professor Hyun-Koo Kim famous. “We will dedicate ourselves to significantly improving the quality of life for additional patients by consistently conducting innovative robotic surgery research.”  

Additionally, the analysis team from the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at Korea University Medical Center also explored the feasibility of performing thymectomies, lung cancer resections, and esophageal cancer resections via single-port robotic surgery. The institution effectively performed minimally invasive surgeries using a robotic system, extending its expertise beyond thymectomies to include complex procedures for lung and esophageal cancer patients.

The analysis outcomes have been published in a renowned international academic journal, MDPI’s online publication.